Press release from The Lantern Group
Screen Australia today announced two recipients of its new Innovative Distribution program.
The two successful companies are:
BeamAfilm (Gil Scrine and Louise van Rooyen)
Titan View (John L Simpson)
“Screen Australia’s Innovative Distribution program recognises that new models are allowing access to expanding markets and there is a need to support a variety of low-budget screen content that does not fit into a traditional distribution and exhibition paradigm,” said Kathleen Drumm, Screen Australia’s Head of Marketing.
“The successful proposals involve experienced players who have demonstrated a commitment to building audiences for Australian screen content outside the mainstream."
BeamAfilm will provide a new documentary portal for streaming on Video-on-Demand, with a particular focus on the education and library markets.
Gil Scrine said, “The whole idea behind beamAfilm is to make a much wider range of documentaries accessible through monetised streaming – viewed at home, in the classroom, the local library or on the bus going to school.”
Louise van Rooyen added, “beamAfilm will allow producers to share the benefits of engaging digital audiences. This grant will allow the partnership between Antidote Films and Pan Pacific Interactive to distribute the wealth of Australian film content in a secure on-demand environment.”
Through Titan View’s low-budget feature film model, films reach audiences via a substantial network of grassroots non-theatrical venues.
Films will also be released on VOD, DVD and via internet/mobile services.
John L Simpson said, “Titan View will be able to support a greater and more diverse range of exciting new filmmakers, while expanding our work in developing new audiences – bringing together film lovers and filmmakers, wherever they are. From the community centre, church hall, pub or any platform online, we hope that no film lover will be denied access to quality Australian films.”
Funding for the successful 2010 Innovative Distribution recipients will span two years, covering the 2010/11 and 2011/12 financial years. T
hereafter it is expected that their activities will continue without further Screen Australia assistance, as part of the federal agency’s remit for building sustainable businesses. It is anticipated another funding round will be announced in the next financial year.
The proposals were selected from 10 applications by a panel that included distributor Andrew Mackie, producer Sue Murray, consultant Gayle Lake and Screen Australia’s Head of Marketing, Kathleen Drumm.